Guess the ★★★½ review that’s coming out on Sunday

I’m starting an occasional feature that will invite readers to guess the restaurant being reviewed by Cheryl Clark in the upcoming Sunday paper. I expect generally to do this for reviews of at least three stars, as I don’t want to create an atmosphere of nastiness by inviting people to guess what place will be panned.

What restaurant do you think Clark is talking about when she writes this?

Passionately and intelligently chosen wines and beers, with a sense of wonder and adventure. Bargain prices and nice Riedel glassware. Informative service. … The food is my particular brand of heaven.

The Confectionery in Troy is AMAZING, but the wines are not sold at bargain prices so I’m going to guess something else. Perhaps Katrinella’s Bistro in Albany. My husband and I were just saying how we can’t believe we’ve never tried it. And after looking at their menu yesterday, I would definitely consider their prices “bargain” — especially considering the positive (near flawless) reviews they’ve received from diners.

I’d guess the Confectionery also. Fussy Little Blog tweeted about it and told me to get there ASAP – $6 glasses of wine seem more than reasonable to me and I think Cheryl enjoys sampling a variety of plates, so this place would be right up her alley!

I would still submit that their wines are not “bargain.” They have three by-the-glass options @ $6. Aside from two $8 options, the rest are $9 or more. An average person going for a glass of chardonnay would not consider a $9 and $14 glass a bargain. $6 is reasonable, yes, but I would not consider the establishment — in general — cheap. It is worth every penny, however. I feel like I’m on the lower east side of Manhattan every time we visit!

Actually, I decided to do this despite the promo in the food section. It’s my assumption that the majority of blog readers, especially those who regularly read comments, see the print product only occasionally or rarely.

Wow, I love Confectionary, but didn’t really think of it as inexpensive OR a restaurant. I guess I clearly need to revisit their menu, as I have only ever had their (lovely) cheese and charcuterie platters.

I’m in accord with you, Steve. I was going to say Cafe` Capricio, but bargain prices, albeit top shelf food told me to refrain. Keep up the good (food) work. Next time I’ll @ the Biergarten, I will introduce myself.

@Melissa, Isn’t the value relative to the product? $6 for Yellowtail or Barefoot chardonnay is a rip off anyway you slice it. However $15 for a glass of Henri Boillot Puligny Montrachet is a straight up steal in any city!

There are hundreds if not thousands of restaurants and bars that pour inexpensive swill “house” wines cheaply. I, for one, am thankful that The Confectionary is not one of them.

I am pleased to hear about the Riedel glassware….too often overlooked how important the right shape is to enjoying a particular wine….plus the feel of those thick rimmed bar ware glasses tend to cheapen even the best wines.

@jsc – Right on! Some of the glassware at expensive restaurants in the region is downright appalling.

The Confectionery feels more like a public service than a for profit venture. They are bringing things to local eaters that aren’t available elsewhere. Cheeses from The Cheese Traveler, coffee from Blue Bottle, bread and sweets from neighborhood producers. And their wine list exclusively highlights small producers.

Oh right. And there is wireless, free wifi, tons of outlets, and no pressure to order a meal or even wine. It’s a place that totally meets you where you are, and can be whatever you make of it: A table for dinner of brilliant cheeses and delicious charcuterie (including duck salami), a late night dessert spot with espresso from their restored Faema, or a quiet corner to catch up on some writing with a glass of wine.

Vic and Heather have done a magnificent job of executing on their plan. Bravo to them both, and the staff at the Confectionery that makes it happen every night.

Adding to what others have noted, I’d submit the idea that even a $20 glass of wine may be considered a bargain by virtue of the fact that it offers a guest the opportunity to sample a wine at a higher price point without having to commit to a full bottle purchase.

So glad that the Confectionery is getting raves left and right. My girlfriend and I have visited twice, ordered the charcuterie both times and been thrilled with the food, wine and beer selections. Daniel B. hit the nail right on the head: this place can serve ten functions for ten different people. Casual hang-out, refined date spot, a cacophonous yet sophisticated alternative to the beer and cocktail bars elsewhere in the area, etc.